Profile

Research Description

My laboratory is interested in the biophysical analysis of
physiology. Our work can be divided into several areas. First, we aim to
understand the molecular composition, pharmacology and physiological role of
potassium channels. We are currently focusing our efforts on calcium-activated
potassium channels (channels that open in response to an increase in
intracellular calcium). Mammalian genes have been identified for several of
these proteins including those producing large, small and intermediate
conductance channels. A major challenge in this area is to be able to understand
the properties of native channels by studying their cloned counterparts. A
second and related theme for my laboratory is in trying to understand the control of neuronal signalling. Our work here includes a collaboration with Matthew Whim's group at Louisiana State University in studying peptide secretion. We have also been developing the use of scanning ion conductance microscopy for studying synaptic transmission. We collaborate with groups both at Imperial (Professor Yuri Korchev) and Cambridge (Professor David Klenerman) in the application of this technique. Finally, using biophysical and
electrophysiological techniques we have recently begun to use systems
modelling to examine disease and health, in collaboration with Paola Vergani, Emma Baker, Nick Simmonds and Vivek Dua.

Research Activities

Quantitative approaches to investigate Cystic Fibrosis

The pharmacology and physiological roles of potassium channels The control of neuropeptide secretion and the application of new biophysical techniques

Education Description

I am one of the Co-Directors of the CoMPLEX MRes/PhD programme, UCLs physical sciences/lifes sciences interface center. I am also the 1st year tutor in Pharmacology and I run the the 1st year pharmacology course PHAR1001. I also teach on a range of 2nd and 3rd year courses, including the preclinical training of medical students.